Watford travel to Cardiff City on Tuesday aiming to end a damaging three-match losing streak in the Championship. The Hornets sit 20th in the table with just eight points from nine games, making the trip to South Wales a vital fixture.
Recent form has been poor, with a 4-0 home defeat to Burnley last Friday the latest setback. That result followed a 1-0 loss at Bristol City and a 2-1 home defeat to Stoke City. Their only win in the last five came against Preston North End in early September.
Cardiff, one place below Watford in 21st, offer a potential opportunity. The Bluebirds have a mixed record, beating Charlton but losing to Blackburn and Bolton in their last three outings. Their defence has shown vulnerability, conceding in each of those games.
Watford's starting lineup against Burnley featured Ravaglia in goal behind a back four of Oumar Traore, Pollock, Mlacic and Coulibaly. Kayembe and Kyprianou anchored the midfield, with Doumbia, Bravo and Nabizada supporting striker Kjerrumgaard. Continuity may be expected despite the heavy defeat.
The urgency for points is clear. With a goal difference of minus seven after conceding 14 times, tightening up at the back will be a priority in Cardiff. The match kicks off at 19:45 at the Cardiff City Stadium on 13 October.
Check the latest standings to see how the table shapes up after this midweek round of fixtures.
